* Annotated Bibliography 1-10 Saltzberg, Barney. I Love Dogs. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2005. 24 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Picture book. Language: English. [[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image002.jpg width="84" height="96"]]In this wonderful illustrated book, Barney Saltzberg writes about the different types of dogs the character loves. It is wonderfully put together, and the illustrations of the dogs are lovable and adorable. Barney Saltzberg has won award for writing and illustrating his own books; moreover, he has won awards for singing and songwriting. He has recorded several songs for the PBS show. Barney Saltzberg lives in Los Angeles along with his family and three dogs of his own. He is the author of 25 other books in which he has illustrated them himself. I love this book because I am a dog lover myself. Children will love the illustrations of the different sizes and colors of the dogs. What child does not love dogs? It will be great to read aloud and the pictures are great. The watercolors are vibrant and the theme of the book is how a child loves dogs regardless what the dogs look like, or if the dog is able to perform tricks. I recommend this book to be in your classroom library, because children love animals and they may share the same passion for dogs as the author does. It is well put together very study and durable.
MacDonald, Margaret Read. The Old Woman Who Lived In a Vinegar Bottle.Little Rock Arkansas: August House Little Folk, 1995. 32 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Traditional Literature. Language: English. The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle, written by Margaret Read MacDonald and Illustrated by Nancy Dunaway Fowlkes. This is a well known folklore in the British Isles and has won the Storytelling World Award in 1995. Margaret Read MacDonald was born in the 1940’s in Seymour, Indiana. Later in her life she became children’s librarian at King County Library System in Seattle, Washington in 1964-1965. In 1992, she became a Professional Story Teller and traveled to perform in many countries such as Japan, Australia, Thailand, Cuba and many more. She has written forty five books that includes many children books and adult books. She is well known for her books in folktales and her story telling. This folktale reminds me of a poem I once heard in school as a young child called The Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. What I liked about this book was vivid colors of the illustrations. This book is about an old lady who never satisfied with her house. The old lady lives in a vinegar bottle until one day a fairy hears how miserable she is and grants her several wishes of bigger and better houses. Later, the fairy realizes that this old woman will never be satisfied and returns her back to the vinegar bottle house. Fama, Elizabeth. Overboard. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, 2002. 158 pages. Ages 11 and up. Genre: Survival Story. Language: English. [[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image006.jpg width="70" height="104"]] Elizabeth Fama lives in Chicago and she is the mother of four children. Overboard was her fist book in print. The author was inspired to write this book when she saw a news segment about some people who had experienced a ferry accident in Indonesia. This book has been named a 2003 Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association, and received the 2002-2003 honor award for children’s fiction from the Society of Midland Authors. In this book, Elizabeth writes about an American 14 year old girl named Emily who lives in Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra. Her parents are World Physicians for Children at a clinic. Emily helps them in the hospital changing bed sheets. Emily is homesick and can’t understand why her parents had to move to this country to care for the sick children. Therefore, she decides to run away to visit her uncle in a nearby island. She boards a ferry boat to meet her uncle, and the ferry boat she is in sinks. Emily now has to survive in the sea without a life jacket for seventeen hours. I really enjoyed reading Overboard. It was filled with suspense and I could not put the book down. I loved the characters from the book especially Emily. She was so determined to stay alive and still managed to help Isman, a young boy, who was trying to survive in the sea. It was definitely a page turner, and I will definitely recommend any teacher to have a copy of this book in their library. It is a book because it introduces children to Islamism’s cultures and traditions such as Ramadan. Cisnero, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. New York:Vintage Books Random House Inc, 1984. 110 pages. Ages 12 and over. Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction. Language: English. [[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image008.jpg width="96" height="104" caption="The House on Mango Street" link="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0679734775/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books"]]Sandra Cisnero was born in Chicago in 1954. She is the only girl of seven children. Sandra Cisnero is one of the first Hispanic writers who have achieved recognition for her success. She won Columbus Foundation's American Book Award in 1985 for this book. She has written novels, short stories and poems. In this book, she writes a series of vignettes, which includes the conflicts when she was growing up at Mango Street, such as, poverty, alienation, and shame. As of today, she is still writing books and visits children and youth center to lecture them about her upbringing and her success. She is Hispanic role model to our youth in the Chicago Hispanic society. I would recommend each Latino student to read this book. It realistically describes how the Latino community feels when they grow up in oppressive, and poverty stricken neighborhood. Esperanza Cordero, a poor Latina, was the protagonist of this book, and she describes her feelings and the situations she went through as a child when she lived on Mango Street. The small red house she lived in was not what she expected to live in, but it was all her parents could afford. Therefore, she longed for a better house, one that she can be proud of and not ashamed. Like a Latina myself I can relate to Esperanza, I was from a poor neighborhood in the Humboldt park area, and I encountered many of the same issues that Esperanza did as a child. After reading the book, I really enjoyed it. Especially, with the descriptions of the neighborhood area and the characters that were presented in the book. Joosse, Barbara. El Circulo Magico. Mexico D.F.: Planeta Publisher Corp, 2002. 34 pages. Ages: 4-8. Genre: Traditional Literature. Language: Spanish. [[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image010.jpg width="84" height="98" link="http://www.gandhi.com.mx/index.cfm/id/Producto/dept/libros/pid/88756"]]El Circulo Magico also known in the English version as Ghost Wings was written by Barbara M. Joosse. Ms. Joosse was born in Grafton, Wisconsin and is the mother of three. She has written fiction and non-fiction books and has received several honor awards for the writings. She received the Picture book Award in 1983, the Golden Kite award for Picture –Illustration in 1991, and for this book she received the Best Book Designation in 2001. In this book, she writes about a Mexican girl who shared wonderful moments with her grandmother. They made tortillas together, she would make sure that when the granddaughter was scared at nights of the imaginary monsters, the grandmother would bring in her broom to ward of the monsters and that would comfort the child. They both would go to el circulo magico were thousands of monarch butterflies were fluttering all around, there they spent time looking and enjoying the butterflies. The tragic part of the story is that the grandmother dies, and the granddaughter later returns to el circulo magico and finds the area empty without a single butterfly in sight. On the Day of the Dead holiday, the granddaughter goes and visits her grandmother’s grave and magically all the butterflies come to the gravesite. I love the illustrations from this book as well as the story. I love the fact that it is shows how the Mexican family honor their ancestor on the Day of the Dead celebration. I loved how the tradition is celebrated with the altar and the visitation to the gravesite of their loved ones. I would read this book to my students on the Day of the Dead celebration. It is great to opportunity to expose students to a different culture and how they celebrate and commemorate their loved ones. What I liked most of the book is that the end of the story it has a guide with questions and activities that you can present to your class. Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York: Alladin Paperbacks, 1987. 208 pages. Ages: 11-15. Genre: Survival story. Language: English.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image012.jpg width="108" height="108"]]Gary Paulsen is known for as one of the best writer in young adult’s books. Mr. Paulsen has written over 175 books, and he has won many awards for his writings. His book Hatchet has won several awards such as the Newberry award in 1988, ALA Notable Book in 1987, Golden Archer Award in 1989 and many more. Hatchet is listed as one of the best books to read in the ALA list. Mr. Paulsen has received many letters from readers asking to write a sequel to this book, and he complied with their request. He wrote the sequel called Brian’s Winter to honor his fan readers. Gary Paulsen lives in New Mexico with his wife who has illustrated some his books. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, It is a must have. I first learned about this book when my son recommended that I should read it. I read the book and to my surprise it was amazingly written. The book is about a young boy named Brian Robeson goes on a summer trip to visit his father after the divorce of parents. The pilot of the plane suffers a heart attack, and the plane crashes in the lake. He survived the crash, but he is left to survive on the Canadian Wilderness for 54 days. He managed to survive by using the hatchet his mother gave him as a gift. Brian learns to survive through trial and error and through self determination of not giving up. This book was packed with action and suspense and I could not put the book down. I recommend every teacher to have this book in their classroom. The children will greatly enjoy it just as my son did. Heinrichs, Ann.PonceDe Leon: Juan Ponce De Leon Searches for the Fountain of Youth.Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books, 2002. 48 pages. Ages: 9-12. Genre: Non-fiction. Language: English.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image014.jpg width="96" height="96"]]Ann Heinrichs is the author of over fifty books for children and young adults; furthermore, many of her books have won awards. Ms. Henrichs grew up in Arkansas and is currently living in Chicago, Illinois. This author focuses on writing about biographies, geographical regions and basic guides for English grammar. Much on this author has not been written on, so I can’t report much on her. I selected to read this book, because I was intrigued to read about Juan Ponce De Leon. I loved how this autobiography was written, furthermore, the illustration from this book make references to the past and present areas that Ponce De Leon explored. It was exciting to read the story of an explorer who became governor of my native land. I liked that in the end of the book the author included a glossary, important dates of Ponce de Leon’s life, websites for additional research, and museums to visit Ponce De Leon family home. This is a great reference book to have in a bilingual classroom library. Livingston, Myra Cohn. Cat Poems. New York: Holiday House, 1987. 42 pages. Ages : 4-8. Genre: Poetry. Language: English. [[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image016.jpg width="84" height="96"]]Myra Livingston was born 1926 in Omaha, Nebraska and died in the year 1996. She was well known for her children’s poetry. Livingston has written over fifty books and has received several awards for her writings. Some of the awards she received were: the Texas institute of Letter, National Jewish Book Award, and the Kerlan Award of Minnesota University. She was an exceptional writer and published her first poem at age 18. Since then, Myra dedicated her life to writing books. Today, many of her books are out of print today, but many of her books may be found in public libraries for everyone to enjoy. Cats Poems, written by Myra Livingston is a collection of 19 poems written by different authors. Cat lovers would enjoy reading the poems. The illustration of the book should have been in color to bring forth children’s interest. The book is about different types of cats, we have the curious cat, the mischievous cat, and the fat adorable cat. This book I will definitely read out loud to my students. I suggest that teachers have a copy in their library classroom. Children will enjoy the poems. Dickinson, Peter. Eva. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1990. 219 pages. Ages 9-15. Genre: Young Adult Novel. Language: English. Peter Dickinson was a journalist and a poet before he started to write books for young adults. Peter Dickinson was born in Africa nearby the Victorian Falls. He is currently living in England with his wife the American writer, Robin McKinley. He is the father of four children from his first marriage and grandfather of six. He has written over fifty books and has won many awards for his writings. In his book Eva, Dickinson was the winner of the 2008 Phoenix Award. The award is given for his outstanding book that was published twenty years earlier that did not receive a major award at the time of publication. In his book Eva, Dickinson writes about a 13 year old who was involved in a car accident and due to the accident Eva was in a comma for eight months. Her body was crushed, but the doctor managed to save her brain. Eva’s brain was then implanted then in the body of chimpanzee. My son had to read this book for a class he took. He started to tell me about the story so I just had to read it for myself. The book is an exciting read it has a great story line, and children will appreciate Eva. Due to a tragic accident, Eva’s brain is transplanted into a chimpanzee body. Even though, she looks like an chimp she is still Eva on the inside. When reading this book, I had to reflect that this is where science is taking us in the future. It is amazing how she continues to live her life with a new purpose. This book will be appreciated by children as well as adults it is a must have.
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter: and the Chamber of Secrets. New York: Scholastic Inc, 1999. 341 pages. Ages: 9-12. Genre: Contemporary Fantasy. Language: English.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image020.jpg width="115" height="115"]]J. K. Rowling is one of the famous Contemporary Fantasy writers. Rowling was an English teacher in Portugal and married a journalist from there. She had a daughter that was born in 1993, but the marriage did not last and was divorced soon after. She has written a series of Harry Potter books and has won many awards for them, such as the Winner of the 1999 National Book Award (UK), An ALA Best Book for Young Adults 1999, and School Library Journal, 1999 Best Book of the Year. This is the second book from her series and is about a boy name Harry Potter and his life at the school called Hogwarts for Witchcraft. It is up to Harry Potter to find why the school has been put under spells and save Hogwarts school and his new friends. It read three of her books and has enjoyed all of the books. I love the characters in the book. Especially, Dobby the House Elf he is a funny character who is constantly blaming himself when he makes mistakes. I recommend everyone should read this collection of books if you enjoy magic, spells and fast moving action. I recommend that teachers should have this series in their collection. I believe that children will appreciate reading this collection of books.
Teresa Nuñez
Annotated Bibliography 2
Gonzalez, Lucia M. The Bossy Gallito.New York, N.Y.: Scholastic Inc., 1994. 34 pages. Ages 4-8. Language: Dual Language Spanish and English. Genre: Folktale.
Gonzalez was born in Cuba on December 13, 1957, but moved to live in Spain, Mexico and Venezuela and lives currently in Florida. She was intrigued with folktales from different countries. She has received several awards for her writings such as, Pura Belpre Award for The Bossy Gallito, Aesop Accolade, and the Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. She wished that one day her books would be written in English and her dreams came true now everyone in the world could enjoy her traditional folktales around the world.
The Bossy Gallito was a folktale that I enjoyed reading; furthermore I really like the fact that it is written in both languages Spanish and English. It also includes a glossary of word that appear in the story defining words from Spanish to English. The illustrations from this book were done by Lulu Delacre whom has received several awards herself for the illustrations. This particular book is about rooster who is on his way to his uncle’s wedding and he dirty his beak on his way. He want the grass to clean it off, the grass refuses, he tells the goat to eat the grass for refusing. He goes on bossing around until he finally says please then his beak ends up clean before he reaches his destination. I recommend this book to every bilingual classroom, because teachers can read it in Spanish or English.
Gonzalez, Lucia. The Storyteller’s Candle.San Fransisco, California: Children’s Book Press, 2008. 32 pages. Ages: 9-12. Language: Dual Language Genre: Picture Story book
Gonzalez was born in Cuba on December 13, 1957, but moved to live in Spain, Mexico and Venezuela and lives currently in Florida. She was intrigued with folktales from different countries. She has received several awards for her writings such as, Pura Belpre Award for The Bossy Gallito and The Story teller’s Candle, Aesop Accolade, and the Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. She wished that one day her books would be written in English and her dreams came true, now everyone in the world could enjoy her traditional folktales around the world. Ms. Gonzalez has donated all proceeds from the sales of this book to the Pura Belpre Award Endowment.
The Storyteller Candle was a great book to read. It is a mini-biography of the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York, Pura Belpre. This book is written in both language Spanish and English. The story was about two cousins who arrived in New York in the winter months. They miss the warmness of their island. They miss the fact that The Three Kings Celebration will not be celebrated as back in Puerto Rico. But then, The librarian from neighborhood visits their classroom and tells them that the library is open to everyone in the public regardless of what language they speak. Pura Belpre being Puerto Rican understands Hildamar and Santiago and decides to host the first Three Kings Celebration at the library. The illustrations were way different from other illustrations I have seen. It was created with layers of oil washes and collage and bits of the New York Times newspapers. I loved the story and the illustrations from this book I highly recommend that every multicultural classroom include this in their class library.
Delacre, Lulu. Las Navidades: Popular Christmas Songs from Latin America.New York, N.Y.: Scholastic Inc. 1992. 34 pages. Language: Dual Language Spanish and English. Genre: Traditional Songs book
Lulu Delacre was born in Puerto Rico and has several books written and illustrated on her own. She has illustrated many books for different authors. In addition, she has won many awards for her illustrations such as American Bookseller Pick of the Lists designation, 1991, Américas Book Award, and National Council of Teachers of English Notable Children's Book in Language Arts designation, both 1993, Pura Belpré Honor, American Library Association, 1996, and many more. She writes books that portray her own culture as well as illustrating pictures from the Latin American locations.
Las Navidades is a book that contains songs from Latin America. The songs are written in Spanish and English. In addition, Delacre informs us where the songs are from. It also has a page with instruments that are traditionally used to accompany these songs. It also includes written music if you should know how to read music. I really enjoy reading this book because it reminded me of my childhood when Christmas came around we would sing many of these songs. I recommend this book to teachers who know how to play an instrument.
Lulu Delacre was born in Puerto Rico and has several books written and illustrated on her own. She has illustrated many books for different authors. In addition, she has won many awards for her illustrations such as American Bookseller Pick of the Lists designation, 1991, Américas Book Award, and National Council of Teachers of English Notable Children's Book in Language Arts designation, both 1993, Pura Belpré Honor, American Library Association, 1996, and many more. She writes books that portray her own culture as well as illustrating pictures from the Latin American locations.
I have read many of Delacre books because I really enjoy her writings. I particular enjoyed this book because the story was about two tree frogs who wanted to celebrate pre-Lenten festival. Rafi plays a trick on his sister by telling her that she is the chosen queen from the festival knowing that she is to young to be queen of the festival. He later makes a periscope and tricks her by telling her that he can tell her that he has x-ray eyes and tells her what happening outside while he is inside. He later feels sorry for tricking his sister and makes a float out of his wagon and takes her around on the parade. I really like this book , the illustrations are very colorful and at the end of the book you can find activities you can do with your class. I recommend this book to teachers because of the activities that are included. Soto, Gary. The Old Man and His Door. New York: The Putman & Grosset Group,1998. 32 pages. Ages: 4-8. Language: English. Genre: Picture Story book.
Gary Soto a Chicano author has written over twenty books on poetry and over thirty books for young children. He was born in Fresno, California and his educational background consists of Master degree in Fine Arts and Creative Writing. He is a professor at the University of California at Berkeley. He has received these awards: The American Book Award, Bess Hokin Prize and the Levinson Award, Discovery-The Nation Prize and many more. Gary Soto writes about his own life experiences.
This was the first book I read from this author. I was a funny and great story about an old man who did not quite hear well what his wife had requested. He removes the door (puerta) and takes it with him instead of pig (puerco). He goes around the neighborhood helping his neighbors while trying to carry the door to the party. When he gets to the party and arrives out the pig, his wife gets upset but the old man shows her all the gifts he brought instead of the pig. I loved this story because it was funny and I know children will enjoy it as well. This book is a must have in the classroom library.
Levy, Janice. The Spirit of Tio Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story. New York, N.Y: Scholastic Inc, 1995. 32 pages. Ages: 4-8. Language: Dual Language. Genre: Traditional Literature.
Janice Levy never wanted to be a writer as she was growing up, she wanted to play center field for the Yankees but decided in the meantime she would write books. Levy has written thirteen children’s books. She has written four books in Spanish and one in Japanese. She is currently an adjunct teacher at Hofstra University and teaches writing skills. She has won some awards such as: the Storytelling World Award in 2006, Best Foreign Language Picture Book, and she has won the Writer’s Digest Magazine Competition for the best short story. This book is published in the bilingual format, and she has sold over 50,000 copies of this book.
The Spirit of Tio Fernando/ El espiritu de tio Fernando is about a boy who is going to honor his uncle Fernando on Day of the Dead Celebration. The boy, who is also named Fernando, helps his mother set the altar and goes shopping for his uncle’s favorite items to place them on the altar. Later, they go to the cemetery and wait for the uncle’s spirit to visit them. Nando wonders how and when he would know when his uncle’s spirit comes to visit. This was a great story to read on of the Day of the Dead celebration. I loved the illustrations of the book and I really liked the fact that the book is written in both languages. I would recommend this book to be read during the celebration of the Day of the Dead. I know that teachers as well as children would enjoy this traditional literature.
Yolen, Jane. Color Me A Rhyme: Nature Poems for Young People. Pennsylvania: Boyd Mill Press, 2003. 32 pages. Ages: 4-8. Language: English. Genre: Poetry.
Jane Yolen is the author of over two hundred books. She writes fairytales, poetry and is a teacher for writing literature. Yolen has won many awards like the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, two Christopher Medals, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards, the Golden Kite Award, the Jewish Book Award, and the Association of Jewish Libraries Award. She is known as the Hans Christian Andersen of America and the Aesop of the twentieth century. She lives currently living with her family in Hatfield, Massachusetts.
This book is a lovely book with colorful pictures about nature. The book contains 13 poems of the different colors that are found in nature. I love the idea that the colors are vibrant and contain synonyms of the colors within each poem. Not only are the poems great, but I love that it also contains quotes pertaining to the color discussed in the poems. This is great small book to have; I recommend teachers to have a copy of their own.
Laura Numeroff lives in Los Angeles California. Numeroff by the time she was nine years old loved to write and tell stories and new she would be an adult. At age fifteen she decided she wanted to be a fashion designer and went to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. After her first year in the Institute, Numeroff realized that that was not what she really wanted to do .She decided that she would take classes of in illustration, animation and photography. In that class she had to write and illustrate her own book for homework, which later she ended selling her homework and her book was then published in 1975. Sinc e
This was such a cute book about a dog named Beatrice. Her brother is in charge of taking care of her, but he has to go to the library to do a report that is due in three day. Beatrice hates the library, she hates reading and she hates books. On the second day she does not want to go to the library and her brother has to drag her in. On the third day, the brother has to finish his report and Beatrice gives him a hard time. He later finds out that the library would be doing storytelling, and he takes advantage of the situation and drop of his sister there. Great book to read to young children I loved the illustrations and Beatrice character in the story.
Gonzalez, Lucia M. Señor Cat’s Romance and Other Favorite Story from Latin America. New York: Scholastic Press, 2001. 46 pages Ages: 4-8. Language: English. Genre: Collection of different Story Book .
Gonzalez was born in Cuba on December 13, 1957, but moved to live in Spain, Mexico and Venezuela and lives currently in Florida. She was intrigued with folktales from different countries. She has received several awards for her writings such as, Pura Belpre Award for The Bossy Gallito, Aesop Accolade, and the Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. She wished that one day her books would be written in English and her dreams came true now everyone in the world could enjoy her traditional folktales around the world.
This book has six great traditional stories such as the Little half Chick, Juan Bobo and the Three Legged Pot, Martina, the Little Cockroach and many more. I really loved reading these folklores I remember most of them being told to me my grandmother when I was a child. The one I really enjoyed was the one of Juan Bobo or shall I say Foolish John. I just loved the way he tried racing the three legged pot and to go back and get the pot for his mother. All of these stories are fun to read and children will enjoy and laugh at these folklores. Teachers should get a copy I recommend it.
Soto, Gary. Too Many Tamales. New York: Scholastic Inc, 1996. 32 pages Ages: 4-8 Genre: Story book
Gary Soto a Chicano author has written over twenty books on poetry and over thirty books for young children. He was born in Fresno, California and his educational background consists of Master degree in Fine Arts and Creative Writing. He is a professor at the University of California at Berkeley. He has received these awards: The American Book Award, Bess Hokin Prize and the Levinson Award, Discovery-The Nation Prize and many more. Gary Soto writes about his own life experiences.
This is an excellent book that represents the traditional celebration of the Latino family. I really loved this book, moreover, I loved the illustrations and the Maria the character is adorable. I thought it was funny but ashamed that the children had to eat all those tamales just to look for the ring. The story was funny and I believe that it does teach children that regardless of the situation you should always tell an adult. Just like Maria did. She made her cousins eat all the tamales to see if they would find the ring. When she didn’t find it she approached her mother to tell her of what she had thought she had done. She took it upon herself to tell her mother regardless of the consequences. I highly recommend everyone to read this book and have it in their class library.**
- Teresa Nunez
*Annotated Bibliography 1-10
Saltzberg, Barney. I Love Dogs. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2005. 24 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Picture book. Language: English.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image002.jpg width="84" height="96"]]In this wonderful illustrated book, Barney Saltzberg writes about the different types of dogs the character loves. It is wonderfully put together, and the illustrations of the dogs are lovable and adorable. Barney Saltzberg has won award for writing and illustrating his own books; moreover, he has won awards for singing and songwriting. He has recorded several songs for the PBS show. Barney Saltzberg lives in Los Angeles along with his family and three dogs of his own. He is the author of 25 other books in which he has illustrated them himself.
I love this book because I am a dog lover myself. Children will love the illustrations of the different sizes and colors of the dogs. What child does not love dogs? It will be great to read aloud and the pictures are great. The watercolors are vibrant and the theme of the book is how a child loves dogs regardless what the dogs look like, or if the dog is able to perform tricks. I recommend this book to be in your classroom library, because children love animals and they may share the same passion for dogs as the author does. It is well put together very study and durable.
MacDonald, Margaret Read. The Old Woman Who Lived In a Vinegar Bottle. Little Rock Arkansas: August House Little Folk, 1995. 32 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Traditional Literature. Language: English.
The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle, written by Margaret Read MacDonald and Illustrated by Nancy Dunaway Fowlkes. This is a well known folklore in the British Isles and has won the Storytelling World Award in 1995. Margaret Read MacDonald was born in the 1940’s in Seymour, Indiana. Later in her life she became children’s librarian at King County Library System in Seattle, Washington in 1964-1965. In 1992, she became a Professional Story Teller and traveled to perform in many countries such as Japan, Australia, Thailand, Cuba and many more. She has written forty five books that includes many children books and adult books. She is well known for her books in folktales and her story telling.
This folktale reminds me of a poem I once heard in school as a young child called The Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. What I liked about this book was vivid colors of the illustrations. This book is about an old lady who never satisfied with her house. The old lady lives in a vinegar bottle until one day a fairy hears how miserable she is and grants her several wishes of bigger and better houses. Later, the fairy realizes that this old woman will never be satisfied and returns her back to the vinegar bottle house.
Fama, Elizabeth. Overboard. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, 2002. 158 pages. Ages 11 and up. Genre: Survival Story. Language: English.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image006.jpg width="70" height="104"]] Elizabeth Fama lives in Chicago and she is the mother of four children. Overboard was her fist book in print. The author was inspired to write this book when she saw a news segment about some people who had experienced a ferry accident in Indonesia. This book has been named a 2003 Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association, and received the 2002-2003 honor award for children’s fiction from the Society of Midland Authors. In this book, Elizabeth writes about an American 14 year old girl named Emily who lives in Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra. Her parents are World Physicians for Children at a clinic. Emily helps them in the hospital changing bed sheets. Emily is homesick and can’t understand why her parents had to move to this country to care for the sick children. Therefore, she decides to run away to visit her uncle in a nearby island. She boards a ferry boat to meet her uncle, and the ferry boat she is in sinks. Emily now has to survive in the sea without a life jacket for seventeen hours.
I really enjoyed reading Overboard. It was filled with suspense and I could not put the book down. I loved the characters from the book especially Emily. She was so determined to stay alive and still managed to help Isman, a young boy, who was trying to survive in the sea. It was definitely a page turner, and I will definitely recommend any teacher to have a copy of this book in their library. It is a book because it introduces children to Islamism’s cultures and traditions such as Ramadan.
Cisnero, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. New York: Vintage Books Random House Inc, 1984. 110 pages. Ages 12 and over. Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction. Language: English.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image008.jpg width="96" height="104" caption="The House on Mango Street" link="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0679734775/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books"]]Sandra Cisnero was born in Chicago in 1954. She is the only girl of seven children. Sandra Cisnero is one of the first Hispanic writers who have achieved recognition for her success. She won Columbus Foundation's American Book Award in 1985 for this book. She has written novels, short stories and poems. In this book, she writes a series of vignettes, which includes the conflicts when she was growing up at Mango Street, such as, poverty, alienation, and shame. As of today, she is still writing books and visits children and youth center to lecture them about her upbringing and her success. She is Hispanic role model to our youth in the Chicago Hispanic society.
I would recommend each Latino student to read this book. It realistically describes how the Latino community feels when they grow up in oppressive, and poverty stricken neighborhood. Esperanza Cordero, a poor Latina, was the protagonist of this book, and she describes her feelings and the situations she went through as a child when she lived on Mango Street. The small red house she lived in was not what she expected to live in, but it was all her parents could afford. Therefore, she longed for a better house, one that she can be proud of and not ashamed. Like a Latina myself I can relate to Esperanza, I was from a poor neighborhood in the Humboldt park area, and I encountered many of the same issues that Esperanza did as a child. After reading the book, I really enjoyed it. Especially, with the descriptions of the neighborhood area and the characters that were presented in the book.
Joosse, Barbara. El Circulo Magico. Mexico D.F.: Planeta Publisher Corp, 2002. 34 pages. Ages: 4-8. Genre: Traditional Literature. Language: Spanish.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image010.jpg width="84" height="98" link="http://www.gandhi.com.mx/index.cfm/id/Producto/dept/libros/pid/88756"]] El Circulo Magico also known in the English version as Ghost Wings was written by Barbara M. Joosse. Ms. Joosse was born in Grafton, Wisconsin and is the mother of three. She has written fiction and non-fiction books and has received several honor awards for the writings. She received the Picture book Award in 1983, the Golden Kite award for Picture –Illustration in 1991, and for this book she received the Best Book Designation in 2001. In this book, she writes about a Mexican girl who shared wonderful moments with her grandmother. They made tortillas together, she would make sure that when the granddaughter was scared at nights of the imaginary monsters, the grandmother would bring in her broom to ward of the monsters and that would comfort the child. They both would go to el circulo magico were thousands of monarch butterflies were fluttering all around, there they spent time looking and enjoying the butterflies. The tragic part of the story is that the grandmother dies, and the granddaughter later returns to el circulo magico and finds the area empty without a single butterfly in sight. On the Day of the Dead holiday, the granddaughter goes and visits her grandmother’s grave and magically all the butterflies come to the gravesite.
I love the illustrations from this book as well as the story. I love the fact that it is shows how the Mexican family honor their ancestor on the Day of the Dead celebration. I loved how the tradition is celebrated with the altar and the visitation to the gravesite of their loved ones. I would read this book to my students on the Day of the Dead celebration. It is great to opportunity to expose students to a different culture and how they celebrate and commemorate their loved ones. What I liked most of the book is that the end of the story it has a guide with questions and activities that you can present to your class.
Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York: Alladin Paperbacks, 1987. 208 pages. Ages: 11-15. Genre: Survival story. Language: English.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image012.jpg width="108" height="108"]]Gary Paulsen is known for as one of the best writer in young adult’s books. Mr. Paulsen has written over 175 books, and he has won many awards for his writings. His book Hatchet has won several awards such as the Newberry award in 1988, ALA Notable Book in 1987, Golden Archer Award in 1989 and many more. Hatchet is listed as one of the best books to read in the ALA list. Mr. Paulsen has received many letters from readers asking to write a sequel to this book, and he complied with their request. He wrote the sequel called Brian’s Winter to honor his fan readers. Gary Paulsen lives in New Mexico with his wife who has illustrated some his books.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, It is a must have. I first learned about this book when my son recommended that I should read it. I read the book and to my surprise it was amazingly written. The book is about a young boy named Brian Robeson goes on a summer trip to visit his father after the divorce of parents. The pilot of the plane suffers a heart attack, and the plane crashes in the lake. He survived the crash, but he is left to survive on the Canadian Wilderness for 54 days. He managed to survive by using the hatchet his mother gave him as a gift. Brian learns to survive through trial and error and through self determination of not giving up. This book was packed with action and suspense and I could not put the book down. I recommend every teacher to have this book in their classroom. The children will greatly enjoy it just as my son did.
Heinrichs, Ann. Ponce De Leon: Juan Ponce De Leon Searches for the Fountain of Youth. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books, 2002. 48 pages. Ages: 9-12. Genre: Non-fiction. Language: English.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image014.jpg width="96" height="96"]]Ann Heinrichs is the author of over fifty books for children and young adults; furthermore, many of her books have won awards. Ms. Henrichs grew up in Arkansas and is currently living in Chicago, Illinois. This author focuses on writing about biographies, geographical regions and basic guides for English grammar. Much on this author has not been written on, so I can’t report much on her.
I selected to read this book, because I was intrigued to read about Juan Ponce De Leon. I loved how this autobiography was written, furthermore, the illustration from this book make references to the past and present areas that Ponce De Leon explored. It was exciting to read the story of an explorer who became governor of my native land. I liked that in the end of the book the author included a glossary, important dates of Ponce de Leon’s life, websites for additional research, and museums to visit Ponce De Leon family home. This is a great reference book to have in a bilingual classroom library.
Livingston, Myra Cohn. Cat Poems. New York: Holiday House, 1987. 42 pages. Ages : 4-8. Genre: Poetry. Language: English.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image016.jpg width="84" height="96"]]Myra Livingston was born 1926 in Omaha, Nebraska and died in the year 1996. She was well known for her children’s poetry. Livingston has written over fifty books and has received several awards for her writings. Some of the awards she received were: the Texas institute of Letter, National Jewish Book Award, and the Kerlan Award of Minnesota University. She was an exceptional writer and published her first poem at age 18. Since then, Myra dedicated her life to writing books. Today, many of her books are out of print today, but many of her books may be found in public libraries for everyone to enjoy.
Cats Poems, written by Myra Livingston is a collection of 19 poems written by different authors. Cat lovers would enjoy reading the poems. The illustration of the book should have been in color to bring forth children’s interest. The book is about different types of cats, we have the curious cat, the mischievous cat, and the fat adorable cat. This book I will definitely read out loud to my students. I suggest that teachers have a copy in their library classroom. Children will enjoy the poems.
Dickinson, Peter. Eva. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1990. 219 pages. Ages 9-15. Genre: Young Adult Novel. Language: English.
Peter Dickinson was a journalist and a poet before he started to write books for young adults. Peter Dickinson was born in Africa nearby the Victorian Falls. He is currently living in England with his wife the American writer, Robin McKinley. He is the father of four children from his first marriage and grandfather of six. He has written over fifty books and has won many awards for his writings. In his book Eva, Dickinson was the winner of the 2008 Phoenix Award. The award is given for his outstanding book that was published twenty years earlier that did not receive a major award at the time of publication. In his book Eva, Dickinson writes about a 13 year old who was involved in a car accident and due to the accident Eva was in a comma for eight months. Her body was crushed, but the doctor managed to save her brain. Eva’s brain was then implanted then in the body of chimpanzee.
My son had to read this book for a class he took. He started to tell me about the story so I just had to read it for myself. The book is an exciting read it has a great story line, and children will appreciate Eva. Due to a tragic accident, Eva’s brain is transplanted into a chimpanzee body. Even though, she looks like an chimp she is still Eva on the inside. When reading this book, I had to reflect that this is where science is taking us in the future. It is amazing how she continues to live her life with a new purpose. This book will be appreciated by children as well as adults it is a must have.
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter: and the Chamber of Secrets. New York: Scholastic Inc, 1999. 341 pages. Ages: 9-12. Genre: Contemporary Fantasy. Language: English.
[[image:file:C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctnunez.WR%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image020.jpg width="115" height="115"]]J. K. Rowling is one of the famous Contemporary Fantasy writers. Rowling was an English teacher in Portugal and married a journalist from there. She had a daughter that was born in 1993, but the marriage did not last and was divorced soon after. She has written a series of Harry Potter books and has won many awards for them, such as the Winner of the 1999 National Book Award (UK), An ALA Best Book for Young Adults 1999, and School Library Journal, 1999 Best Book of the Year. This is the second book from her series and is about a boy name Harry Potter and his life at the school called Hogwarts for Witchcraft. It is up to Harry Potter to find why the school has been put under spells and save Hogwarts school and his new friends.
It read three of her books and has enjoyed all of the books. I love the characters in the book. Especially, Dobby the House Elf he is a funny character who is constantly blaming himself when he makes mistakes. I recommend everyone should read this collection of books if you enjoy magic, spells and fast moving action. I recommend that teachers should have this series in their collection. I believe that children will appreciate reading this collection of books.
Teresa Nuñez
Annotated Bibliography 2
Gonzalez, Lucia M. The Bossy Gallito. New York, N.Y.: Scholastic Inc., 1994. 34 pages. Ages 4-8. Language: Dual Language Spanish and English. Genre: Folktale.
Gonzalez was born in Cuba on December 13, 1957, but moved to live in Spain, Mexico and Venezuela and lives currently in Florida. She was intrigued with folktales from different countries. She has received several awards for her writings such as, Pura Belpre Award for The Bossy Gallito, Aesop Accolade, and the Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. She wished that one day her books would be written in English and her dreams came true now everyone in the world could enjoy her traditional folktales around the world.
The Bossy Gallito was a folktale that I enjoyed reading; furthermore I really like the fact that it is written in both languages Spanish and English. It also includes a glossary of word that appear in the story defining words from Spanish to English. The illustrations from this book were done by Lulu Delacre whom has received several awards herself for the illustrations. This particular book is about rooster who is on his way to his uncle’s wedding and he dirty his beak on his way. He want the grass to clean it off, the grass refuses, he tells the goat to eat the grass for refusing. He goes on bossing around until he finally says please then his beak ends up clean before he reaches his destination. I recommend this book to every bilingual classroom, because teachers can read it in Spanish or English.
Gonzalez, Lucia. The Storyteller’s Candle. San Fransisco, California: Children’s Book Press, 2008. 32 pages. Ages: 9-12. Language: Dual Language Genre: Picture Story book
Gonzalez was born in Cuba on December 13, 1957, but moved to live in Spain, Mexico and Venezuela and lives currently in Florida. She was intrigued with folktales from different countries. She has received several awards for her writings such as, Pura Belpre Award for The Bossy Gallito and The Story teller’s Candle, Aesop Accolade, and the Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. She wished that one day her books would be written in English and her dreams came true, now everyone in the world could enjoy her traditional folktales around the world. Ms. Gonzalez has donated all proceeds from the sales of this book to the Pura Belpre Award Endowment.
The Storyteller Candle was a great book to read. It is a mini-biography of the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York, Pura Belpre. This book is written in both language Spanish and English. The story was about two cousins who arrived in New York in the winter months. They miss the warmness of their island. They miss the fact that The Three Kings Celebration will not be celebrated as back in Puerto Rico. But then, The librarian from neighborhood visits their classroom and tells them that the library is open to everyone in the public regardless of what language they speak. Pura Belpre being Puerto Rican understands Hildamar and Santiago and decides to host the first Three Kings Celebration at the library. The illustrations were way different from other illustrations I have seen. It was created with layers of oil washes and collage and bits of the New York Times newspapers. I loved the story and the illustrations from this book I highly recommend that every multicultural classroom include this in their class library.
Delacre, Lulu. Las Navidades: Popular Christmas Songs from Latin America. New York, N.Y.: Scholastic Inc. 1992. 34 pages. Language: Dual Language Spanish and English. Genre: Traditional Songs book
Lulu Delacre was born in Puerto Rico and has several books written and illustrated on her own. She has illustrated many books for different authors. In addition, she has won many awards for her illustrations such as American Bookseller Pick of the Lists designation, 1991, Américas Book Award, and National Council of Teachers of English Notable Children's Book in Language Arts designation, both 1993, Pura Belpré Honor, American Library Association, 1996, and many more. She writes books that portray her own culture as well as illustrating pictures from the Latin American locations.
Las Navidades is a book that contains songs from Latin America. The songs are written in Spanish and English. In addition, Delacre informs us where the songs are from. It also has a page with instruments that are traditionally used to accompany these songs. It also includes written music if you should know how to read music. I really enjoy reading this book because it reminded me of my childhood when Christmas came around we would sing many of these songs. I recommend this book to teachers who know how to play an instrument.
Delacre, Lulu. Rafi and Rosi Carnival! New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2008. 64 pages. Ages: 4-8. Language: English. Genre: Picture Story book.
Lulu Delacre was born in Puerto Rico and has several books written and illustrated on her own. She has illustrated many books for different authors. In addition, she has won many awards for her illustrations such as American Bookseller Pick of the Lists designation, 1991, Américas Book Award, and National Council of Teachers of English Notable Children's Book in Language Arts designation, both 1993, Pura Belpré Honor, American Library Association, 1996, and many more. She writes books that portray her own culture as well as illustrating pictures from the Latin American locations.
I have read many of Delacre books because I really enjoy her writings. I particular enjoyed this book because the story was about two tree frogs who wanted to celebrate pre-Lenten festival. Rafi plays a trick on his sister by telling her that she is the chosen queen from the festival knowing that she is to young to be queen of the festival. He later makes a periscope and tricks her by telling her that he can tell her that he has x-ray eyes and tells her what happening outside while he is inside. He later feels sorry for tricking his sister and makes a float out of his wagon and takes her around on the parade. I really like this book , the illustrations are very colorful and at the end of the book you can find activities you can do with your class. I recommend this book to teachers because of the activities that are included.
Soto, Gary. The Old Man and His Door. New York: The Putman & Grosset Group,1998. 32 pages. Ages: 4-8. Language: English. Genre: Picture Story book.
Gary Soto a Chicano author has written over twenty books on poetry and over thirty books for young children. He was born in Fresno, California and his educational background consists of Master degree in Fine Arts and Creative Writing. He is a professor at the University of California at Berkeley. He has received these awards: The American Book Award, Bess Hokin Prize and the Levinson Award, Discovery-The Nation Prize and many more. Gary Soto writes about his own life experiences.
This was the first book I read from this author. I was a funny and great story about an old man who did not quite hear well what his wife had requested. He removes the door (puerta) and takes it with him instead of pig (puerco). He goes around the neighborhood helping his neighbors while trying to carry the door to the party. When he gets to the party and arrives out the pig, his wife gets upset but the old man shows her all the gifts he brought instead of the pig. I loved this story because it was funny and I know children will enjoy it as well. This book is a must have in the classroom library.
Levy, Janice. The Spirit of Tio Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story. New York, N.Y: Scholastic Inc, 1995. 32 pages. Ages: 4-8. Language: Dual Language. Genre: Traditional Literature.
Janice Levy never wanted to be a writer as she was growing up, she wanted to play center field for the Yankees but decided in the meantime she would write books. Levy has written thirteen children’s books. She has written four books in Spanish and one in Japanese. She is currently an adjunct teacher at Hofstra University and teaches writing skills. She has won some awards such as: the Storytelling World Award in 2006, Best Foreign Language Picture Book, and she has won the Writer’s Digest Magazine Competition for the best short story. This book is published in the bilingual format, and she has sold over 50,000 copies of this book.
The Spirit of Tio Fernando/ El espiritu de tio Fernando is about a boy who is going to honor his uncle Fernando on Day of the Dead Celebration. The boy, who is also named Fernando, helps his mother set the altar and goes shopping for his uncle’s favorite items to place them on the altar. Later, they go to the cemetery and wait for the uncle’s spirit to visit them. Nando wonders how and when he would know when his uncle’s spirit comes to visit. This was a great story to read on of the Day of the Dead celebration. I loved the illustrations of the book and I really liked the fact that the book is written in both languages. I would recommend this book to be read during the celebration of the Day of the Dead. I know that teachers as well as children would enjoy this traditional literature.
Yolen, Jane. Color Me A Rhyme: Nature Poems for Young People. Pennsylvania: Boyd Mill Press, 2003. 32 pages. Ages: 4-8. Language: English. Genre: Poetry.
Jane Yolen is the author of over two hundred books. She writes fairytales, poetry and is a teacher for writing literature. Yolen has won many awards like the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, two Christopher Medals, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards, the Golden Kite Award, the Jewish Book Award, and the Association of Jewish Libraries Award. She is known as the Hans Christian Andersen of America and the Aesop of the twentieth century. She lives currently living with her family in Hatfield, Massachusetts.
This book is a lovely book with colorful pictures about nature. The book contains 13 poems of the different colors that are found in nature. I love the idea that the colors are vibrant and contain synonyms of the colors within each poem. Not only are the poems great, but I love that it also contains quotes pertaining to the color discussed in the poems. This is great small book to have; I recommend teachers to have a copy of their own.
Numeroff, Laura. Beatrice Doesn’t Want To. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2008. 32 pages: Ages: 3-5. Language: English. Genre: Picture Book.
Laura Numeroff lives in Los Angeles California. Numeroff by the time she was nine years old loved to write and tell stories and new she would be an adult. At age fifteen she decided she wanted to be a fashion designer and went to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. After her first year in the Institute, Numeroff realized that that was not what she really wanted to do .She decided that she would take classes of in illustration, animation and photography. In that class she had to write and illustrate her own book for homework, which later she ended selling her homework and her book was then published in 1975. Sinc e
This was such a cute book about a dog named Beatrice. Her brother is in charge of taking care of her, but he has to go to the library to do a report that is due in three day. Beatrice hates the library, she hates reading and she hates books. On the second day she does not want to go to the library and her brother has to drag her in. On the third day, the brother has to finish his report and Beatrice gives him a hard time. He later finds out that the library would be doing storytelling, and he takes advantage of the situation and drop of his sister there. Great book to read to young children I loved the illustrations and Beatrice character in the story.
Gonzalez, Lucia M. Señor Cat’s Romance and Other Favorite Story from Latin America. New York: Scholastic Press, 2001. 46 pages Ages: 4-8. Language: English. Genre: Collection of different Story Book .
Gonzalez was born in Cuba on December 13, 1957, but moved to live in Spain, Mexico and Venezuela and lives currently in Florida. She was intrigued with folktales from different countries. She has received several awards for her writings such as, Pura Belpre Award for The Bossy Gallito, Aesop Accolade, and the Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. She wished that one day her books would be written in English and her dreams came true now everyone in the world could enjoy her traditional folktales around the world.
This book has six great traditional stories such as the Little half Chick, Juan Bobo and the Three Legged Pot, Martina, the Little Cockroach and many more. I really loved reading these folklores I remember most of them being told to me my grandmother when I was a child. The one I really enjoyed was the one of Juan Bobo or shall I say Foolish John. I just loved the way he tried racing the three legged pot and to go back and get the pot for his mother. All of these stories are fun to read and children will enjoy and laugh at these folklores. Teachers should get a copy I recommend it.
Soto, Gary. Too Many Tamales. New York: Scholastic Inc, 1996. 32 pages Ages: 4-8 Genre: Story book
Gary Soto a Chicano author has written over twenty books on poetry and over thirty books for young children. He was born in Fresno, California and his educational background consists of Master degree in Fine Arts and Creative Writing. He is a professor at the University of California at Berkeley. He has received these awards: The American Book Award, Bess Hokin Prize and the Levinson Award, Discovery-The Nation Prize and many more. Gary Soto writes about his own life experiences.
This is an excellent book that represents the traditional celebration of the Latino family. I really loved this book, moreover, I loved the illustrations and the Maria the character is adorable. I thought it was funny but ashamed that the children had to eat all those tamales just to look for the ring. The story was funny and I believe that it does teach children that regardless of the situation you should always tell an adult. Just like Maria did. She made her cousins eat all the tamales to see if they would find the ring. When she didn’t find it she approached her mother to tell her of what she had thought she had done. She took it upon herself to tell her mother regardless of the consequences. I highly recommend everyone to read this book and have it in their class library.**